Recent content by boomer239

Yeah I have no regrets. I was born into a poor but loving family. My school counselor introduced me to the ACT and SAT tests (which I had never heard of in high school). Did well, got federal and state grants for college, got engineering degree, got hired by a Fortune 100 company. Climbed the...

Finally wrote the big checks. 55k to Feds. 72k to state. Taxes from some one time events after retiring in 2018. Had the money in a separate account for this. Knew it was coming but my hand still shook as I was writing the checks. I am sure the federal and state government can spend the money...

Just had a Trane 3.5 ton XR16 installed including air handler for $6,100. I also didn't realize the cost these days. I shopped around and those prices were somewhat consistent. It was an all in price with 10-year warranty. Oh well not a lot of choice when A/C breaks in Florida. The coil failed...

The Personal Capital App is pretty good and has a lot of information available to you once you link everything. And it is free!

Quality REITs are good dividend machines. They are out of favor due to rising interest rates. If you can be a "contrarian" and buy up quality like O, WPC, VTR, etc. they are bargains. If your time horizon is long, buy/add and let them ride. If not, then avoid. I added because I plan to just...

I seem to be doing that (lazy days) more and more on the weekends as I approach retirement (about 4 months and counting). Frankly the job is completely exhausting me at this point. I keep telling myself that these lazy weekend days will come to an end once I am retired and catch up on some...

I I am facing that now. I have enough for DW and I but do I keep working for the generations to come? This may be the first generation in a while that may not have it better than we. I have an executive job making a lot of $$. Do I pull the plug soon to experience a fulfilling retirement now...

I thought it was a good idea to buy. We bought a condo in Marco Island Florida (Southwest Florida) 3 years ago, after looking for a few years. Went with a condo versus home so upkeep worries were minimized. Like the area very much. We are planning to retire 4/13/18 so it is coming up (I wanted...

Jeez Ready, I think you nailed it........

Let me know of the next SW Florida get together. Will be retiring in April 2018. Already have a condo on Marco Island that I hope to experience a lot more often starting next year.

I should have been more specific on my official proposed retirement date. Early 2018 is my "official" retire date, however my "last work day" will be end of October 2017. We are allowed to roll over 20 extra vacation days year to year if not used. Since I never come close to using them, I...

Thanks for all of the feedback. To respond to various posts: I am a US citizen (vs Canadian). SERP is required to be a lump sum (bummer), not allowed to be tax deferred. I will have to bite the bullet and pay 300-400k in taxes--ouch). Pension is life-long annuity (lump sum not allowed)...

Hello all, Long time lurker and have really appreciated the knowledge/entertainment from reading all of the posts. I believe I will be in the class of 2017. Facts: I am 56, spouse is 54. I work for a megacorp and am currently at an executive position. My DW does not work outside the home...